Smith County Jail Receives Flawless Inspection

TYLER — Smith County was awarded a certificate of compliance for receiving high marks in cleanliness and safety during its annual inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards on January 18. Commission Inspector Robert Green said Smith County passed its surprise inspection without any deficiencies in the more than 650 compliance areas checked, including cell cleanliness, secure lock systems, proper medical screening of prisoners, proper staff training, adequate shower and toilet facilities and sanitary food preparation within the jail system.

“We are very proud to receive a report completely absent of deficiencies. I think it shows all of our staff members are working together to maintain a high standard of cleanliness, health, safety and organization,” Chief Deputy Bobby Garmon said. Chief Garmon also remarked that Smith County’s record of positive inspections is notable because it has been done with the additional burden of transporting inmates in and out of the county due to overcrowding. “It really shows the leadership and managerial skills of one of the best jail administrators in the state,” Chief Garmon added about Jail Administrator Chief Deputy Gary Pinkerton and the Smith County jail staff.

Pinkerton said passing the jail inspection is a “testimony of teamwork that consists of the detention staff, the maintenance staff, the medical staff, kitchen staff and the supervisory staff that take pride in the operation of a detention facility.”

Smith County manages an average of 700 inmates, both male and female on a daily basis. Of the 355 people employed by the Sheriff’s Office, 216 work in jail services. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards is also responsible for making sure all Texas jails have an up to date evacuation plan, and a working procedure to process inmate grievances.